Brownie Wise was the ultimate party planner, inventing the idea of home parties to promote Tupperware in the 1950’s. During convention weekend Jubilees lavish gifts and rewards were presented and elaborate treasure hunts were done with prizes buried underground. This hat, “Brownie Mae”, would be what she would choose to wear. Stylish, commanding and luxurious. Her desire for happiness helped recruit thousands of women into a career at a time when a woman’s role was conventionally tied to the home. In 1954 she became the first woman to appear on the cover of Business Week magazine.
This hat is handmade felt. The upcycled sequined silk fabric is fused with raw merino wool in a process of wet felting called nuno felting. Once the fabric/felt hood is created, it is blocked over a vintage heated block and shaped by hand. The silk velour hat band is dyed to match the peach/red tone of the felt. This hat is halfway between a regular felt and gossamer in its weight, with the density of the sequins helping to create structure. Beautiful from every angle, comfortable, and yes…sensible.
This hat fits a small-sized head, 21.25-21.5″ in circumference. If you have any questions about size, please contact me.
“No Matter who you are, you alone can give the world something that it can get from no other source” – Brownie Wise.
